I think it's easier for me to recognize that we are upper-middle because I grew up pretty poor and the difference is obvious.
If you grew up middle/upper-middle, it's harder to see how many "extras" you actually have, because to you they are a given. (Like paying for preschool or having your kids involved in sports or music lessons). If you are doing the same/worse than your parents, I guess it's harder to see that you are still doing better than "middle."
I agree with this. Coming from a poor family, I can see that my family is definitely upper-middle class, not "middle class."
I'm the same way. I grew up very poor until I was in high school, and then we were middle class at the most. A combination of marriage and good business success/luck has led me to be rich currently. It's a very, very different lifestyle than how I grew up. Our HHI income is lower than some Of the MMers who claim middle class but considering our HHI is in the top 5% in the country (there was a link a while back) we are definitely NOT middle class.
I don't understand, why do they NOT want to say they're upper class. I'M UPPER CLASS, I'll admit it, and the government says I'm 'rich'. Now, there is a huge difference between making it into upper class and being OMG rich. I can't do whatever the hell I want, but I am able to recognize that I do lead a privileged life.
I said it in that thread, and in every other one when this comes up, but I don't understand this reluctance either. Maybe it's my formerly low-lower middle class upbringing showing through, but I am pretty proud to be upper class (only IMO, though, according to everyone else, I am probably solidly middle class, lol). I've worked really hard to get here, and while I am never going to forget what it's like to scrape together change to put gas in the car, I don't see any reason to pretend that I'm not worlds away from that now.
I said it in that thread, and in every other one when this comes up, but I don't understand this reluctance either. Maybe it's my formerly low-lower middle class upbringing showing through, but I am pretty proud to be upper class (only IMO, though, according to everyone else, I am probably solidly middle class, lol). I've worked really hard to get here, and while I am never going to forget what it's like to scrape together change to put gas in the car, I don't see any reason to pretend that I'm not worlds away from that now.
It's the 'I make over 300k and I'm middle class' type comments that bug. NO, you're not! I recognize the difference between this and top 1%, but you are STILL upper class.
Uh, you think? You make more than, what, 97% of the people in the richest country in the world, but you're middle class? Mmmmk.
I have an upper-class education but a lower-middle class HHI. FAILLLLL. lol
God damn TFA & urban education!
Damn you, or better yet, damn UPenn! I would've even settled for Johns Hopkins. (wilted)
:: Kirkette moonwalks out with her private college TFA credentials as there are no west coast Ivies.:: One Day All Children ... 's educators will have heavily discounted ivy league educations.
Penn came at a pretty hefty price -- $35k for two years, and that's with the discount. Johns Hopkins is much more manageable. Dammit, I should have done Baltimore!
I hate the "my disposal income AFTER everything is 'low' so I'm middle class" argument.
Guess what? A lot of people don't have the luxury of paying their mortgage, car payment, student loans, childcare costs, contributing to 401k and savings, etc., let alone having money left after all of it.
Exactly. Things are much tighter for us since having a baby, but the fact that we were able to have me go part time, pay for daycare, our mortgage, fund retirement, etc. means that we are better off than so many people. It makes me crazy when people don't realize or acknowledge their privilege.
I was one of the few who wasn't middle class but felt like I was (I'm below, womp womp.) I feel wealthier than I am, though, because I can buy the nice TP and maple syrup. This is the good life, bitches.
I just want to say that LHC is a boss when it comes to reading someone and low key shade throwing. Its hilarious how many people she checks on a daily basis without them really noticing! I LOVE it! Bravo, LHC!
"You. You and your crazy life. You and your geographic anomaly. You and your drunken lesbianic ways and terrible navigational skills." - ProfArt and her holy baby